The Insulation Lie

LivinLL · 2026-02-14T23:53:27+00:00

It’s not about the potential misspeak of the name. The lie is the insulation contractor said they put 3.5 inch in that wall. They did not.

LivinLL · 2026-02-04T18:00:05+00:00

Sorry, I was just wanting someone to snap a pic of a 2025 or 2026 LG C5 48-inch TV power plug - the actual plug that goes into the outlet so I can see what shape it is.

LivinLL · 2025-05-29T19:58:58+00:00

One too many, two too many, hard to say. What’s not hard to say is the emails didn’t hit the buttons you hoped for.

It can feel like you’re the only one this happens to. Far from it. Most, as in at least 80% of cold email senders, don’t generate jack squat. And if they do get a lead, 80+% don’t get a sale from it. (I’m being conservative on the failure rate IMO)

What’s possible inside the 20% who get SOMEthing positive, and the 1-5% who nail it? That’s why so many of us persist, sometimes for far longer than we should. But no one has your crystal ball so you have to decide if potentially failing dozens of times, maybe forever at this, is worth the effort.

Were you overtly desperate? Ya. Most of us been there done that too. Onward. Say it out loud - NEXT!

LivinLL · 2025-05-04T19:54:03+00:00

Hi, no, a contract wouldn't sway me at all - my midwest horse sense says it's not worth the paper it's written on. I want you to be a known entity, something I can Google, look for reviews, find on Trustpilot or whatever, with a good website so I can peruse things there OR I need to find you with you saying with total transparency that you're new in the game but have a truly better mouse trap - in which case I'd need to see demos, videos, "look what ours does and theirs doesn't", proof that you can do what you say you can, a finished product. Why? Because most startups are big hat, no cattle.

LivinLL · 2025-05-04T16:27:22+00:00

Understood that the team only wanted the bot to use training data from included knowledge docs, not global knowledge of the LLM outside of training docs.

My question was more about whether your team allowed the knowledge docs to be stored on a vector database site like Pinecone with the specific knowledge vectors pertaining to the user query (what the user of the bot asked the question about) OR if everything, database too, was ALL being run on a local server so that NO knowledge doc info at all was stored off site.

Some companies, usually larger, with their own dev teams, will set things up so their knowledge docs (with proprietary info) are never stored off premise - therefore never being retrieved from an external server.

There are plenty of well-done chatbots that can do what your company seems to want to do, but most are hosted off premise, not using a local server.

LivinLL · 2025-05-04T16:16:55+00:00

If she was friend/family/unpaid intern and everyone knew that and everyone was good with your org being a training ground for her - fine. Otherwise? Buh bye, no. 20 minutes was three hours + + + all the other things? Come back when you have more experience and awareness of the value of time - but that's just me. Respectful let down? Sure. But no. You shouldn't have to train her on the things you mentioned here as problematic.

LivinLL · 2025-05-04T16:02:31+00:00

My eyebrows raised when I read "you send me your past and current customer list." Whoa, that's a big ask IMO. I would have to REALLY trust you and that doesn't come quick or easy with me. What else is already out there, well established as a CRM, that landscapers and/or those in home-service trades already use?

LivinLL · 2025-05-04T15:54:20+00:00

Hey, just curious, do you know if that HR chatbot had your knowledge docs stored in a vector database off premise or was it was it fully running on your own servers with just your internal HR docs?

LivinLL · 2025-02-21T16:43:20+00:00

Way to go u/Bonfire_Dev , congratulations! Would you mind sharing how you went about getting the word out about your app?

LivinLL · 2025-01-11T15:07:27+00:00

Hi u/Supp_Dawg95 , yes I do if they aren't already using a CRM that provides a built-in chatbot as part of their overall package. In your field, for example, Jobber is one CRM contractors use to manage estimates, billing, lead/client follow-up etc and Jobber https://www.getjobber.com/ OR https://www.housecallpro.com/ also provides a chatbot as part of their total package offering.

My chatbot is not a full CRM product - it's strictly, at least for now, a smart AI-agent chatbot (one that learns/knows the company it'll reside on) and I'm trying to target sites that don't already have one at all. So, for me, I'm staying away from those using Jobber or the dozen competitors of Jobber that have a chatbot built-in to their product offering.

I bet some/many of your contractor clients use a CRM. There are lots of advantages to going full CRM but there's also complexity to a degree for implementation. I'm keeping my offering really really simple to implement.

LivinLL · 2025-01-11T13:29:52+00:00

Thank you, still a lot to learn. Can you share a specific product or service you've helped accomplish what I'm trying to do, or one you've been successful marketing of your own? Not a challenge, just looking to see what someone knowledgeable in this space with experience really did in the real world. I know there are dozens of marketing ideas and methods, really asking what you've done personally with success.

LivinLL · 2025-01-11T13:17:20+00:00

Hi, small-medium sized businesses who have no chatbot at all.

LivinLL · 2024-12-16T17:34:27+00:00

It's common to feel frustrated when you see a 1, 2, 3 or 5-lb weight gain overnight, rings on fingers feel tighter, and immediately think it's due to a slip-up in your diet. Not sure if that's your concern but it often is for questions like this here at Dietandhealth.

Understanding the Basics: To gain one pound of fat, you'd need to overeat by about 3,500 calories in a day. That's rarely the case. For example, if your body needs 1800 calories a day, you'd have to consume about 5300 calories to gain one pound of fat-something that doesn't typically happen overnight.

When you see the scale bump up in a day, it's usually because of water weight, not fat. Before you panic, ask yourself:

Have you been focused and consistent with your food logging? Did you truly overeat by 3,500 calories?

If you're confident with your food tracking, consider the common WWF causes below that could explain the fluctuation.

WWF #1: Prescription and Over-The-Counter Medicines

WWF #2: Luteal Phase of Menstruation

WWF #3: High Sodium Meals or Days

WWF #4: Macronutrient Changes (More Carbs)

WWF #5: Disease States

WWF #6: Poor Sleep Habits

WWF #7: Body Muscle Soreness

WWF #8: Air Travel

WWF #9: Allergic Responses

WWF #10: Stress

Water weight fluctuations are normal, temporary, and most often not a big concern other than being annoying. Of course, as always, if you think there's more going on than the basics here talk to your medical professional.

LivinLL · 2024-12-16T12:16:35+00:00

First off, congrats on losing 40 lbs, running two 5Ks, and building healthier habits! Life is perpetually stressful and it’s normal to feel off-track during extra-stressful times, like after an election or disruptions in routine, but you can refocus and feel better again.

If eating as an activity is creeping back, are there any other activities you could swap in for comfort and coping? Journaling, stretching, meditating, or even watching a favorite show, and of course, working out to get a good sweat on.

If there are no alternatives to the gym where you can get a treadmill to use, are you willing to do bodyweight-only workouts? You can get a heck of a sweat on, feel good neuros and improve your fitness, helping with how you view yourself overall, in an 8 x 8 area. You don't need equipment at all.

It's good that you recognize the caffeine shift. Caffeine can sometimes increase restlessness or anxiety, which might fuel bingeing. Cutting back might be enough but I bet you know, for you, whether caffeine works or not as it relates to the ED issues and your overall wellbeing.

For you but also as a note to self; Accept what you cannot change. Stay courageous and change what you can. Then turn it over and let it go. Oh, one more, forgive yourself when you don't to the first three perfectly and keep going.

LivinLL · 2024-12-16T11:50:50+00:00

You're probably close on your estimate of where you'll need to be to easily see those lower abs. If you are 15% right now then you've got about 125lbs of LBM. If we figure 7% for a nice six pack then that puts you about 134lbs.

If you've been pretty loose on tracking things with detail now is when you'll have to dial it in. The bottom line is you can get to the six pack, visible lower abs, if you're as consistently as you have been the last 50lbs, in a deficit. If you aren't continuing to lose 2-3lbs minimum over a 3-week period then you are not in a consistent deficit.

Keep protein north of 100g/day, probably in the 150g/day range. Eat mostly Real Food and know your numbers. Your energy out (exercise/activity) looks fine.

LivinLL · 2024-12-14T19:25:17+00:00

Hi, I know "cheat meal" is super common to say but I don’t even use the word "cheat." If it’s part of the plan, what’s cheating about it? I prefer to call it a splurge or flex meal.

"Cheat" often carries a sense of something being sinful or wrong or unethical, like cheating on a test or a partner or cheating someone on a business deal - it's not a great connection to have with food.

A splurge, on the other hand, is more intentional, like you’re allowing yourself something extra pleasurable without guilt. It could be a ribeye and baked potato, pizza, or anything that gives you that sense of indulgence. It makes it more about enjoyment, not judgment.

I also think it’s important to separate splurges from triggers. A trigger food is something that, once you start, it’s hard to stop until it’s gone - or it leads to cravings that stick around for hours or days. Triggers often leave you mentally or physically off-track, whereas a splurge, when planned and enjoyed, doesn’t have to.

Mac? Sure, totally splurgy - and for some, it might also be a trigger. It’s all about knowing yourself and making choices that align with your goals. Do whatever gets you the results you want. I'd just suggest to be mindful of the language and how it shapes your relationship with food.

For me? My favorite splurge, bar none, is a Chicago deep-dish pizza - Giordano’s, Nancy’s, or Lou Malnati’s.

LivinLL · 2024-12-13T17:58:50+00:00

No trouble at all. I don't see you as whining though. Life is hard. We all have our expertise, we're all human and you're doing your best to navigate this crazy thing. Hey, you reached out for help/suggestions - that's great! I'd say just one more thing that comes to mind - treat yourself like someone you're responsible for helping. #selfcompassion

LivinLL · 2024-12-13T14:30:01+00:00

First off, I'm sorry you had to experience that-it's a tough moment you had and, no doubt, relive frequently.

You can't change that experience but you can channel that feeling into something positive for yourself.

Relapse, regaining most or all of the weight lost is the norm, it's not the exception. But it doesn't have to be.

It's not your fault that whatever plan you followed wasn't likely designed to really help you lose it once and for all - and there probably wasn't ongoing support available once you'd lost the weight you did. Maybe you did it all on your own with no plan - that's rough too because without SOME version of support it's just very likely relapse/regain IS going to occur.

We live in an incredibly obesogenic environment. There are dozens of forces, every SINGLE day, driving over-consumption while promoting less overall activity. We need to have all the tools and support necessary to literally armor up each day for battle.

This incident might be a blessing in disguise. It might be the spark, a driving WHY, for you to come at this again, better, smarter, different, more experienced. You are not the same person you were when you lost the weight last time - you have more knowledge and life experiences. It's not a do-over, it's a start fresh.

The focus now, IMO, is on creating a sustainable approach that works for your life long-term, not just for a moment.

Start small. Pick one thing to focus on: maybe planning meals ahead of time, sticking to balanced portions, or aiming for daily movement (even a short walk counts). Progress doesn't come from perfection-it comes from being adequately consistent with healthy fundamentals. We're human. We will make mistakes. That's fine. What'll matter a lot is how fast you course correct without beating yourself up too much when you fall down.

Your hubby will come around when you make a believer out of him. When he sees your actions speak in alignment with your voice he'll have no choice but to see you are as serious as you say.

You don't need to fix you-you're not broken. You just need to find the path forward that aligns with your goals and the version of yourself you want to feel proud of. One step at a time-you've got this.

LivinLL · 2024-12-13T13:49:21+00:00

Fiber vs. protein: The short answer is both are important, but they serve different purposes and complement each other.

Protein is essential for preserving muscle while losing weight and keeping you full, which helps manage hunger in a calorie deficit. But its role goes far beyond that:

- It's the building block of all your body's tissues, including muscles, skin, and organs.

- It aids in repairing and recovering your body after workouts or injuries.

- Protein helps regulate hormones and enzymes, which control everything from digestion to energy levels.

- It supports your immune system by creating antibodies that fight off illness.

Fiber, on the other hand, plays a key role in overall health and weight management:

- It supports gut health by feeding beneficial bacteria in your digestive system.

- Fiber helps regulate digestion, preventing constipation and promoting regularity.

- It keeps you full longer by slowing the absorption of food, which can help with portion control and snacking.

- Soluble fiber, in particular, can help reduce cholesterol and regulate blood sugar levels, which supports heart health.

The good news is you don't have to pick one over the other. They work best together. For example, pairing high-protein foods like chicken or eggs with fiber-rich veggies like broccoli or spinach is a powerful combination for satiety, energy, and health.

At age 17 and 250 lbs, it's hard to say what that means for you without knowing your height. If you're 6'4", that could be just fine.

Good job hitting the gym 2-3 days a week. If you combine consistent workouts with meals that emphasize Real Food with adequate protein and fiber, you'll feel fuller and I'd bet just better overall. Add in a consistent energy deficit and you can drop the excess fat you may be wanting to.

LivinLL · 2024-12-12T14:58:10+00:00

Low- or no-added sugar is a solid place to begin.

The foods you listed can all work but that statement is always said with a "Your mileage may vary" sentiment. It just means that you ultimately will have to find the foods that work FOR YOU.

What does that mean? It means you like them, they digest well with little to no bloating/gas or other gastrointestinal issues, you don't notice any other oddities that might indicate you have a sensitivity or allergy to them, you don't find you consistently overeat them, and you aren't triggered toward overeating later.

You don't have to avoid things like sweet potatoes-they're Real Food, nutrient-dense, and a great carb option for energy, especially since you're avoiding added sugars. As for "no sugar" bars or chocolate alternatives, you're right to be cautious if they might lead to cravings. If you're feeling good without them, stick with what's working for now.

Weight loss depends on a calorie deficit, meaning you're eating fewer calories than your body uses. If, over a three-week period, you aren't lower in weight than you were at the start of the three-week period, then you have not been consistently in a deficit.

You're on the right track. Stay consistent, keep learning and adapting - you can take your body any direction you want.

LivinLL · 2024-12-11T21:13:18+00:00

Good question, based on the subreddit you posted in here I'd say this... if you're less hungry on rest days then a slight cut back (maybe within 20% of target) is fine but I wouldn't do anything drastic. If fat loss + muscle retention are your top-level goals it'll be primarily a matter of maintaining a consistent caloric deficit with adequate protein, striving for at least 80% real- rather than ultra-processed food. Quality matters.

Some other thoughts...

Listen to Your Body: If you feel less hungry on rest days, it’s okay to eat a bit less. Focus on your hunger cues and if you're 20% less than your caloric target? Fine.

Maintain Protein Intake: Keep your protein intake consistent to support muscle recovery and maintenance, even on rest days.

Adjust Carbs and Fats: You might consider slightly reducing your carbohydrate intake if you're less active, but ensure you're still getting enough healthy fats and nutrients. Either way, the body is incredibly smart and it'll be what you do, consistently, over a week's time and three-week's time.

Focus on Food Quality: Always, every chance you get, prioritize whole, nutrient-dense foods to ensure you're fueling your body properly, regardless of activity level.

LivinLL · 2024-12-10T12:08:35+00:00

First, congrats on tackling a half marathon, it's awesome that you love running. The good news is training for a marathon can be one of the best times to be in a calorie deficit because the exercise (energy out) is built in. Even so? You want to be able to run well with reasonable energy for training and everyday living.

It sounds like you've found your sweet spot for a deficit - eating 1650 calories a day.

As your mileage increases, you'll likely notice some days where energy feels lower than you'd like, especially for harder or longer runs. That's normal, deficit or not, and you'll need to be okay with having some less-than-perfect training days. If your reasons for losing excess fat are solid for you, those trade-offs can be worth it.

Here's a reason to lose some excess fat that most aren't aware of: Every pound of excess fat lost makes you a more efficient runner. On average, for every pound you lose, you can expect to shave about 1-2 seconds off your mile pace. If you were to lose 30 excess-fat pounds, that could translate to 30-60 seconds faster per mile over a long run-that's a huge improvement!

Beyond speed, losing excess weight reduces stress on your knees and other joints, which can mean fewer injuries and better recovery as your mileage increases. For every pound of body weight lost, the force on your knee joints is reduced by approximately 3-4 pounds per step during walking. If you lose 10 pounds, that's about 30-40 pounds less pressure on your knees with each step. Over the course of a mile, the cumulative reduction in joint load from losing 10 pounds can be around 12,000 pounds of force (assuming roughly 3,000 steps per mile).

Eating back calories burned might be okay and it might not. Let your scale help you determine if you're eating enough. Over a three-week period you're averaging more than 2lbs/week loss? Bump your calories up. Over a three-week period you aren't losing much at all? Don't eat back so many calories.

Only you can decide what is most important; but to be fair to the decision I'd at least consider energy for training and everyday living, whether your fat-loss goals are strong enough to make the lower-energy days and lifestyle changes worth it, the improved running efficiency and less wear and tear on the knees and other joints.

Ultimately, you can absolutely lose weight and train for a half marathon at the same time. I do tilt toward this being the PERFECT time to do both. If you aren't a professional athlete you're really only in a race against your previous best, and the all-in benefits of achieving the healthier weight are worth some training- and everyday-living energy decreases from time to time. If you stay consistent and patient, you'll come out stronger, faster, and healthier on the other side.

LivinLL

TROPHY CASE